But it turns out there was a little hint of autobiography in her prepared story.

“I have been attending Renaissance Faires since I was a little kid,” she said. “My ex-husband never wanted me to get too involved in it. Since he’s now my ex-husband, I’m involved in it.”

Micciche and several other hopefuls had gathered Saturday morning at Mount Hope Estate in Manheim to audition for the Blackfryar cast, the faire’s troupe of volunteer, semi-professional actors. Auditions for the professional Bacchanalian cast will be held Jan. 26-27.

Mark Sullivan, artistic director for the faire, said he hoped to see about 80 to 90 people audition this weekend. About 40 to 50 of those who try out will get cast in the show, with an additional 35 to 40 roles going to the bacchanalians.

While the Bacchanalians take on the more showy roles like Sir Walter Raleigh, the Blackfryars are the actors that mill about the faire, interacting with the patrons and helping to convey the sense that you have been thrown back into Elizabethan-era England.

“They are the street warriors,” said Sheila Barton, co-director of the Blackfryars cast. “They’re made up of people who have a passion and a love for the faire.”

Passion is the right word. Many of those auditioning Saturday were regulars, having been a part of the faire in some capacity for years. Jessica Eppler, who plays Queen Elizabeth this year and is co-directing the Blackfryars with Barton, said one cast member has been a part of the Blackfryar cast for about 28 years.

What would make someone spend several weeks of his summer outdoors in a hot costume and speak in 16th century English?

“I just enjoy doing it,” said Laura Hippensteel, who traditionally plays one of the queen’s ladies-in-waiting. “I think it’s just the magic of the place, watching people come and love it.”

“It seems like everyone’s here to have fun,” said Nicole Wagman, of Camp Hill, who was trying out for her second summer at the faire. “It’s one of the friendliest, most welcoming places I’ve ever been to.”

In addition to preparing a short monologue, each auditioner was expected to sing 30 seconds of a song, a feat that seemed to make some of the actors more nervous than delivering the monologue.

“This is only the second time I’ve ever sang in front of people I’m not related to,” Micciche joked, before breaking into a rendition of “16 Tons.”

“I’ll start with the song first, cause it’s going to be awful,” Wagman said during her audition, before crooning a tune from “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.”

“That was nothing to apologize for,” Eppler said afterward.

Throughout it all, the faire staff tried to be as encouraging and accommodating as possible. When one actor started to forget his lines, directors waited patiently for him to start again.

“Just make it up,” Eppler told him.

“We want to show them that we’re interested in what they’re doing, so they’re relaxed and give us their best work,” Sullivan said.

As would-be cast members finished, they were met with a barrage of questions. What type of character would you like to play? Do you have any other hobbies or talents? Can you do an Irish accent? Would you be interested in playing a fishmonger?

Then, as the actor headed off to the “holding room” to wait for callbacks, the faire staff discussed the casting possibilities. The mood was relaxed and convivial, with the directors cracking jokes and praising the actors: “She just belted that out.” “I want her to be my friend in real life.” “I love how much she’s grown from last year.”

It’s during the callback portion of the auditions that people tend to get weeded out. As the actors go through an improv scenario, the directors look for how the actors get along together, how they listen to each other and whether they can think on their feet.

“We like to see people that have no fear,” Sullivan said. “A lack of fear overcomes a lot. Maybe they’re not the greatest singers in the world or maybe they’re not the greatest stage actors in the world, but having a lack of fear and a willingness to go out and try — and if they fail go out and try again — is vital to us.”

“Here we require you to error,” Eppler said. “You have to mess up. Because that’s the only way you’ll learn.”

And learning here can lead to a career down the road, Sullivan said.

“This is an amazing training ground,” he said. “A ton of actors are going to learn a lot: fight combat, stunt work music, dance. There’s so much they’re going to learn.”

But for Katherine Worster, a first-grade teacher at Red Hill Christian School, the chance to hone her acting skills is second to the opportunity to become part of the Renaissance Faire cast.

“I’ve always come to the faire. I love everything about it, and I really like people, so I really just want to take the next step and become involved,” she said. “It’s scary, the fact that I might not. It’s something I want to do so bad.”

IF YOU GO: The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire will hold auditions for the Blackfryar cast from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Those auditioning should prepare a one- to two-minute monologue and a 30-second song. Auditions for both the Blackfryar and Bacchanalian casts will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 26 and 27. Those auditioning for the Bacchanalian cast should prepare two one-minute monologues — one comedic, one dramatic — and be ready to sing a 30-second song. Participants should wear comfortable or loose-fitting clothing. Auditions are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 717-665-7021, ext. 120. Info: www.parenfaire.com.

Related Stories

Featured Story

Get 'Today's Front Page' in your inbox

This newsletter is sent every morning at 6 a.m. and includes the morning's top stories, a full list of obituaries, links to comics and puzzles and the most recent news, sports and entertainment headlines.

optionalCheck here if you do not want to receive additional email offers and information.See our privacy policy

Thank you for signing up for 'Today's Front Page'

To view and subscribe to any of our other newsletters, please click here.